How to Repair Concrete Front Entry Steps

Repairing your steps prevents them from further damage.

If your concrete steps have a crack or a piece missing, repair them to prevent water from seeping in, causing further damage. If you live in a region with freezing temperature, repair your steps immediately as snow and ice cause damage to broken cement steps. Allow approximately 2 hours when making a repair to your front entry steps. You don't need any special skills or tools to repair your entry steps.

Instructions

Replace Chips

1. Clean your cement pieces with a wire brush and verify they are dry.

2. Mix your epoxy cement according to the manufacturer's directions and apply it to the chipped-out piece of your step with your putty knife. Place the removed chip back in its designated area.

3. Brace the chip by placing a brick and piece of wood over it. This prevents it from accidentally moving before the epoxy cement dries.

Broken Edge

1. Remove loose material from the edge of your entry step. Cut the edge back with your hammer and cold chisel to make a V-shaped groove on the step. Clean the area with a stiff wire brush and moisten it with your garden hose.

2. Place a wooden board against the riser of the step and secure with bricks. This acts as a form for your concrete. Mix your concrete patching compound according to the manufacturer's directions and pack into the V-shaped groove with your pointed trowel.

3. Remove the form as your concrete patching compound starts to set and smooth the edges of your step with your pointed trowel.

4. Cure the patch slowly to ensure it sticks by covering the repair with polyethylene sheeting. Place the polyethylene sheeting over the patch and place wooden boards or bricks on it. Keep the patched area damp for about a week by spraying a light mist on it with your garden hose.

References

• "Reader's Digest: New Complete Do--It-Yourself Manual"; Reader's Digest Association; 1991
• This Old House: Fixing Chipped Concrete Steps